How to save energy and money

Do your bit for the planet and cut the cost of utility bills in the process. Talk about win-win.

Little changes can make a big difference when it comes to slashing the cost of your bills – and being greener in the process. In fact, just by doing the eight simple things here, you can save energy and £341 over the course of a year.

Switch off to save up to £80 a year*

If you usually leave electrical items switched off and on standby, make sure you unplug them instead. That’s because items left on standby are still using energy. In fact, they could be costing you up to £80 a year.
It’s all about being a bit more switched on – or should that be switched off?

Change your shower head to save around £65 a year

If your shower works from your boiler or hot water tank, you could save yourself some money by switching to a water-saving shower head. No need to worry that this will affect the power of your shower either – a more efficient shower won’t do this.
You might even find your water company will give you a water-efficient shower head for free. They don’t all do this but it’s certainly worth asking.

Update your dishwasher and save around £12 a year

Modern dishwashers are more energy-efficient than older machines which use more water. So it’s worth evaluating whether yours has seen better days.
Don’t forget to only put the dishwasher on when it’s full too. And what about updating your dishwasher tablets? Fairy Platinum All In One Dishwasher Tablets are designed to get perfect results first time. Which means you won’t have to waste energy washing something twice over.

Change light bulbs and save up to £45 a year

Energy-efficient light bulbs may seem expensive at first, but in the long run they’ll save you cash. In fact, just by switching old-fashioned bulbs to energy-efficient ones, the average household could save a hefty £45 a year.

Fit a hot water tank jacket and save around £30 a year

This is one of the easiest ways to save energy and money.
If you already have a jacket fitted on your tank, check its thickness. It should be at least 75mm thick.

Turn your thermostat down by one degree and save up to £75 a year

Yes, you read that right – turning down your thermostat by a measly one degree can save you a whopping £75 a year. Now that’s worth putting on a jumper for, right?

Switch to a laptop and save around £16 a year

Typically laptops use 85% less electricity over a year than desktop PCs. (Not to mention saving space in your home.).

Line dry your clothes to save up to £18 a year

Giving your tumble dryer the cold shoulder and drying your laundry on the line can save you cash. Plus nothing smells nicer than clothes dried outside!
*All savings from the Energy Saving Trust